Evans, who stands almost two metres and weighs 110kg, could be the missing ingredient in the Eels' premiership charge according to skipper Tim Mannah.

The towering forward arrived on a three-year deal from Sydney Roosers during the off-season to add a much-needed big body to a Parramatta pack that punched above its weight last year.

He's been tipped as an NSW Origin prospect and the 26-year-old is expected to push for a spot in the side at the start of the campaign after recovering from a broken wrist he suffered playing in Fiji's World Cup opener.

That's hampered his first Eels pre-season but he could still feature against the Panthers on 11th March.

Evans is rated as a "really handy" capture by Mannah, who feels he offers a welcome point of difference.

"It's been well documented last year about our forward pack having one similar body shape," said the skipper. "I think he'll add a different dimension; along with Tony Williams as well he's a bit more of a taller, bigger body."

Evans played 74 games for the Roosters, making his debut in 2014. He'd already been capped by Fiji before he made it into first grade, and has gone on to clock up 10 international appearances.

He played for the World All Stars against the Indigenous All Stars in 2016, and was also named in the emerging New South Wales Blues squad.

Parramatta are 5000/1 to win the NRL Grand Final, while the Eels are 5000/1 to finish in the top four.

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